The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1887-07-14
HOUSEHOLD HYGIENE.
Attacks Of sunstroks and How 70 Deal
with Them.
n GEORGE II. ROBE. n. D.

probable tnat IN fully-OeVelOpeu caSeS tno
mortality is much higher, for in many in-
stances about one half Of those attacked die.
In every large city in the United states
this terrible malady claims its victims when
ever the temperature on clear days rises to
$50 and upward.
While doctors are still in doubt concerning
the essential nature of the morbid condition
known as sunstroke or heat-stroke, the
causes of the disease are very well known,
and its mode of prevention understood.
An attack of sunstroke Is nearly always
preceded by certain symptoms which should
direct the individuals attention to the inn
pending danger. These symptoms are a hot,
dry skin-the perspiration being checked
dryness of the mouth and throat, flushed
face, suffusion of the eyes and throbbing OF
the head. In some cases there is slight de-
lirium, in others q sense Of weakness or con-
fusion If thought, with alternate flushing
and cooling of the face, such as sometimes
comes on after smoking strong cigar. The
pulse is usually rapid, sometimes intermit-
tent, and If the temperature of the body be
measured with thermometer, it will bs
found several degrees above "blood heat"
| If no attention is paid to these premoni-
tory symptoms and exposure to the exciting
person suddenly falls to the ground, becomes
unconscious and comatose, or is attacked by
frequent convulsions. The breathing IL
deep, slow and snoring the pulse very rapid
and the skin dry and burning hot. In some
cases, however, especially of that variety
classed as "heat-stroke," !" that is to say where
the individual was not directly exposed to
the rays of the sun, the pulse is weak and
the skin pale, cold and moist. In these
cases there is great danger Of paralysis of the
heart, following extreme exhaustion of the
nervous system.
The causes of sunstroke are excessively
high temperature, exhausting physical
labor, excessive indulgence in alcoholic
liquors and deprivation of water. Soldiers
on march in hot weather are very subject
to sunstroke, especially when suffering for
want of water. In the Federal army during
the late war there were 1900 cases of sun
stroke, but owing probably to prompt atten-
tion from the medical officers the mortality
was low.
Laborers working in confined spaces, such
Is stevedores, are frequently Frustrated by
heatstroke and large proportion OF these
succumb to the attack.
Nothing is more firmly and conclusively
established in the whole range of medical
practice than that intemperance is the most
prominent and fatal predisposing cause Of
sunstroke. Adrunken man is not only much
more liable to be attacked, but he is almost
certain to die from the effects. All authori-
! ties are agreed upon this point. The most
efficient preventive measure may therefore
be declared to be the avoidance of spirituous
liquors.
The means of prevention are already indi-
Gated by q consideration of the causes. Elk.
2 : posure to high temperature or excessive
: exertlon should be avoided. This is however,
easier said than done in most cases. Hence
a whatever measures will reduce the evil in
a fuence of the above conditions must bt
a adopted. When exposed to the sun, light
a well-yentilated hat should be worn. A
Q broad-brimmed straw probably answers th'
demands better than any other. The corl
3 helmet as worn in the East Indies is alst
le serviceable, but its unsightliness will prob
10 ably prevent its general use in this country
ls A sponge or handkerchief, wet with col
n water, placed in the hat, will keep the hea
y cool, and produce general reduction of TEN
"a perature in the body. This is measur
s.s which should be adopted especially by sol
- - diers on the march.
70 o The clothing should be loose and light
10 and frequent bathing of the face, head an
= arms will counteract the pernicious effect
At of the high temperature.
N Plenty of water internally is one of tn
ID best preventives of sunstroke. 1t has bee
nt found that soldiers, upon whom the mo.
" accurate observations have been made, su
g. cumb to the effects of heat only after th
supply of drinking water is exhausted. s
long as the canteens are full sunstroke do,
not occur in any army.
In cases of sunstroke q competent phys
clan should be at once sent for. But in tt
meanwhile the bystanders should not
idle. If the individual is unconscious an
has q hot, dry skin the clothing about tt
upper portion of the body should be opene
and cold water poured over him. If tt
water is poured upon the head from heigl
of several feet the effect will be greater.
long as the heat of the skin seen
excessive the cold effusion should be col
tinued. Commissions do not contra-ind
cate this treatment. When the temper
ture of the body has become reduc'
in this way, and Inconsistencies sti
continues, hot mustard poultices shou
be applied to the abdomen and limbs. Th
may be done at first in those cases in whit
the skin is cold and moist and there seen
to be tendency to collapse. If the patie
can swallow, strong. hot coffee or tea m,
be given in small quantities, taking care n
to overburden the stomach and cause vom
ing Whiskey or brandy should be Civ
with great caution. In extreme cases
depression tablespoonful of whiskey, wi
teaspoonful of aromatic spirits of al
IA. monia, may be the one thing needed
iis save life, but the judgment required
an deciding when it shall be given is seldo
he found.
les Bleeding is rarely resorted to in sunstro
are at the present day, and in the judgment
he the writer still more rarely required Sol
re- cases need it and some recover in spite of
ow Under all conditions its employment shor
nd be left to the physician.
nal Finally, as in so many other diseases, p
TX: vention Is better than cure in this mala6
Oh Most persons who have suffered from 81
fy stroke carry with them through life Sol
effects of the attack. 1t is always bett
a. therefore, never to have had sunstro
nv than to have been cured of one.
the Her Standard.
s a Father Ito daughter who has Just return
,ad from a seminary)-Have they good instr
the tors at the seminary, Ethel2
wy Ethel-Yes, indeed; the professor
W chemistry was Just splendid.